The Rise of Western Power A Comparative History of Western Civilization

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The West's history is one of extraordinary success; no other region, empire, culture, or civilization has left so powerful a mark upon the world. The Rise of Western Power charts the West's achievements—representative government, the free enterprise system, modern science, and the rule of law—as well as its misdeeds—two frighteningly destructive World Wars, the Holocaust, imperialistic domination, and the Atlantic slave trade.

Adopting a global perspective, Jonathan Daly explores the contributions of other cultures and civilizations to the West's emergence. Historical, geographical, and cultural factors all unfold in the narrative. Adopting a thematic structure, the book traces the rise of Western power through a series of revolutions—social, political, technological, military, commercial, and industrial, among others. The result is a clear and engaging introduction to the history of Western civilization.

Jonathan Daly is Professor of History at the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.

Prologue: Why the West?1. Innovation in World Civilization2. Medieval Transformations3. Papal Revolution4. Military Revolutions5. Discovery of the World6. Explosion of the Printed Word7. The Reformation8. Scientific Revolutions9. Commercial Revolutions10. Political Revolutions11. Industrial Revolution12. Technological Revolution13. Crises of the West14. Social RevolutionsConclusion: A New Type of SocietyBibliographyIndex